Cape Town braces for level 6 water restrictions

Residents of Cape Town have been warned to brace for level 6 water restrictions, set to come into effect from January.

Residents of Cape Town have been warned to brace for level 6 water restrictions, set to come into effect from January.

The City of Cape Town told residents to prepare for intensified restrictions, which is in response to instructions placed on the province by national government.

The notice was published in the provincial government gazette, which means that non-residential properties will have to reduce their water consumption by 45 percent and agricultural users by 60 percent.

Households exceeding 10 500 litres per month also face the possibility of fines and penalties, while the use of borehole water for outdoor purposes is being discouraged in an attempt to preserve groundwater.

Municipal drinking water will not be allowed to be used for watering or irrigation purposes.

The City of Cape Town Council additionally approved budget adjustments to fund water projects.

“We can adjust our budget to ensure the provision of new water supply and ensure that the water services department operations are not negatively handled,” Mayoral Committee member for water and utilities Xanthea Limberg explained.